Six reasons Sharjah International Book Fair is the UAE’s top pick for family-friendly fun

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

With 600 interactive workshops, 105 captivating performances, and activities for every age, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is a family destination like no other.

From immersive storytelling and global cultural explorations to thrilling performances and eco-friendly creativity, the 12-day cultural extravaganza is returning next week with endless opportunities for families to learn, laugh, bond and create unforgettable memories.

“SIBF is all about creating moments that bring families together, while sparking interest and curiosity across generations,” says Khoula Al Mujaini, General coordinator of SIBF, the entity responsible for organising the book fair.

“This year we have put together an extraordinary lineup of events, discussions and activities that promise boundless opportunities to let one’s imagination and creative spirit run free,” she adds.

Here’s why SIBF 2024 that takes place in Expo Centre Sharjah from November 6 - 17, and carries the theme ‘It Starts with a Book’, is the ultimate family-friendly event in the UAE’s calendar:

Theatrical performances

Enjoy family-focused theatre performances that will inspire reignite your love for storytelling. This year, two major plays stand out. “Traino”, a cultural adventure, follows three girls on a mysterious train journey where they learn about coexistence through a series of intriguing puzzles and international encounters. “Al-Yathum”, a horror-comedy, balances thrills and humour while exploring societal themes relevant to family audiences.

Interactive workshops

Dip your creative brains and hands into 600 workshops that blend learning with creativity for all ages. Younger children can dive into ‘Bring Your Stories to Life’, stepping into their narrative, while older kids test their coding skills in ‘Programming Contests’.

Family members can join eco-conscious sessions like ‘Illuminated Flower Garden’ and ‘The Art of Recycling’ to inculcate environmental awareness with fun, hands-on projects. Covering sustainability, tech, and life skills, the book fair has created yet another opportunity for the entire family to enjoy interactive, meaningful learning.

Discover the power of digital storytelling at the Social Media Station

Let’s face it: parents spend as much time on social media as their children! Or even more? That’s why SIBF 2024’s Social Media Station is perfect for families eager to dive into the dynamic world of digital storytelling together.

With daily workshops for all ages, they can explore the latest in content creation, from crafting engaging videos to understanding AI’s role in social media. Young creators can join sessions on influencer partnerships and video editing, learning how to amplify their voices and ideas online.

The Interactive Comic Zone: A haven for aspiring artists

The Comic Zone at SIBF 2024 is a creative playground for families, with 87 workshops designed to engage all ages. Kids and parents alike can join Giant Comics to craft life-sized panels together or try Voice Acting for Comics, adding voices to beloved characters.

Families eager to dive deeper into comic art will love 3D Comics and Character Development sessions, where they’ll bring stories and characters to life side by side. This vibrant zone is all about family fun and creativity, making it an unforgettable experience for comic lovers of every age.

Explore global flavours at the cookery corner

At SIBF 2024’s Cookery Corner, families can explore global cuisines through 47 hands-on workshops led by 17 renowned chefs from Morocco, Slovenia, Ireland, Vietnam, Nepal, and Oman. Each session offers unique culinary techniques and flavours, making it a delicious cultural journey that brings families together over food and shared experiences.

Up, close and personal with Morocco!

This year’s SIBF Guest of Honour is Morocco, which is being celebrated with 107 events that’ll take visitors on a trip across the colourful North African nation. Families can join storytelling sessions like ‘Dreams of Morocco’, featuring humour, music, and engaging characters, while craft workshops will allow children to create traditional Moroccan pottery or mosaic art. These events have been designed to bring Morocco’s vibrant heritage into focus, allowing families to explore art, cuisine, and folklore.

Save the dates!

For more information and to register yourself and your family for events of your interest, please visit: https://sibf.com/en/home